What should a parent do if he or she realizes her child is overweight or even obese? Is it cause for alarm or is it likely the child will eventually grow taller and, thus, “outgrow” his or her weight issue? Dr. Natalie Digate Muth explains the findings of a new study, which sheds important light on this issue, offering specific formulas for parents and pediatricians to use when creating a plan to address a child’s weight problem.

With the hottest months of the year just ahead, it’s essential that your kids know how to stay hydrated while playing outdoors. Here are five tips for educating your children about the importance of hydration before, during, and after exercise—especially in hot and humid conditions—that will help ensure you all have a safe and enjoyable summer fun.

Most parents spend a great deal of time and energy focusing on helping their children reach their important educational milestones, like learning to read and write. But did you know that this is the time to develop their physical literacy as well? Kids who become physically literate—by being physically active and enjoying the benefits of movement—are more likely to become active adults. Here are 5 great tips for improving the physical literacy of your whole family.

Much attention has been given recently to the widely spreading epidemic of childhood obesity in the U.S. But exactly how do you determine whether or not a child is overweight or obese? The most common method of measurement is body mass index (BMI), which is then plotted on a growth chart to determine a child’s growth pattern. Learn more about BMI and how this number can shed light on a child’s current and future health status.

It’s one of the most common questions directed at pediatricians: How tall will my child be? While nothing is certain, it is possible to predict adult height in kids ages two and older with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Read on to learn how to determine if your child is on track to achieve his or her full genetic growth potential.